Ghana Shippers Authority probes alleged emergency surcharge by shipping lines
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA), Professor Ransford Gyampo, has responded to reports circulating on social media that some shipping lines are imposing emergency conflict surcharge fees on shippers.
In a statement, Prof. Gyampo clarified that shipping lines are independent operators that own vessels and determine their own charges, while the Ghana Shippers Authority regulates only the local charges imposed by these shipping companies within Ghana.
According to him, the Authority has not received any official notification from any shipping line regarding the introduction of an Emergency Conflict Surcharge.
“We have not officially been informed about any Emergency Conflict Surcharge by any shipping line,” Prof. Gyampo stated.
He revealed that the Authority first became aware of the allegation through a complaint posted on social media late Tuesday night. The situation, he noted, prompted immediate action from his office.
“As CEO, I have not slept throughout the night after seeing the complaint,” he disclosed.
Prof. Gyampo explained that he had already reached out to the individual who made the complaint and requested documentary evidence to substantiate the claim. He added that the Authority has commenced an investigation into the matter.
“I have contacted the complainant, demanded the necessary documentary evidence, and as of this morning initiated an investigation to address the matter,” he said.
He further emphasised that the Ghana Shippers Authority is not responsible for imposing or collecting the alleged surcharge, distancing the regulator from the claims circulating online.
The ongoing investigation, he said, will help determine whether any shipping line operating in Ghana has introduced such a charge without proper communication or regulatory oversight.
